Bonner, Rev. Lawrence Joseph

Rev. Lawrence Joseph Bonner was born in St. John, NB, on April 25, 1925 to Charles Bonner and Ann Dunn. He worked as a plumber before studying for the priesthood. He completed his theological studies at Holy Heart Seminary in Halifax in 1951-1953; and at St. Joseph's Seminary in Edmonton in 1953-1956. He was ordained on Sept. 22, 1956 at St. John, NB, for the Edmonton Diocese by Bishop Alfred B. Leverman.

Rev. Bonner served in the Edmonton Archdiocese including: Assistant Pastor in Castor (1956-1957); Assistant Pastor at Sacred Heart Parish (1957-1959); Assistant Pastor at St. John the Evangelist Parish in Edmonton (1959-1960); Assistant Pastor at St. Anthony's Parish in Edmonton (1961-1970); and Pastor at Assumption Parish in Edmonton (1969-1971). In addition to priestly duties, Rev. Bonner was also the driving force behind the Knights of Columbus minor hockey program for approximately 150 teams with 2,300 boys in total. He was also the President of the Alberta Pastoral Care Association, which he helped to establish.

Rev. Bonner died in Calgary on Jan. 15, 1971 of a heart attack. His funeral service was held on Jan. 20, 1971 at St. Joseph's Cathedral in Edmonton. He is interred in St. John, NB.